coastal

American  

[kohs-tl] / ˈkoʊs tl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, bordering on, or located near a coast.

   The coastal regions are inundated at high tide.

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Other Word Forms

• coastally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of coastal

First recorded in 1880–85; coast + -al ¹

Explanation

Coastal things are near the ocean. If you like spending time at the beach, you might take a trip to a sunny, coastal vacation spot. Be sure to pack your swimsuit! You might read phrases like "coastal waters" or "coastal erosion" in an environmental science textbook. The coast is the land that borders an ocean or sea, and the adjective coastal describes things that affect the coast or are located there. Before it meant "edge of the land," coast referred to a body part—specifically, the rib or "flank."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coastal

That means the afternoon sea breeze that typically helps cool down conditions, especially in coastal areas, is warmer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

“It’s an opportunity for our chefs to share a thoughtful expression of place, often drawing inspiration from Northland’s rich coastal environment and Māori culinary traditions,” says JT Mulry, Culinary Director at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026

Rivett gives the example of Skegness, a coastal holiday destination in Lincolnshire, accessible by train or coach, which her charity has supported families to visit.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Xtep, another Chinese running shoe brand, owns the China business of Saucony, the elite American shoe brand, which is popular in China’s wealthy coastal cities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Whites, ranging from Egyptians and Libyans to Moroccans, occupied Africa’s north coastal zone and the northern Sahara.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• marshy
• seaside